Pallet for block-making machines



March 16 l926.- 1,577,383

F. J. STRAUB PALLET FOR BLOCK MAKING MACHINES Filed May 27, 1924 4 .NVENTOR Patented Mar. M5, 1926.

- I tann n FRANCIS J. STBAUB, OFNEVI KENSINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA.

PALLET FOB BLOCY-MAKING MACHINES;

Application filed. May 27',

To all "who m it may (Jo imam: Be it lrnown that LFRANoIs J. STRAUB, a citizen of the United States, residing at New Kensington, in the county, of VVQStlnOl'filZllltl and" State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and usefulv improvements in Pallets for Block-Making Machines, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates .to the manufacture of. building or other blocks, and particularly to an improvementin pallets used in corn nection with'the pressing and transporting of the blocks.

In this art, it is custon'iary to form the block of any suitable mixture, as concrete, clay, cinder, etc, within a suitably shaped mold by pressure, either with or without a core, andto support the block upon a bottom plate or pallet which is utilized as a support for transporting it to any suitable point for drying or further handling.

The present invention has in view to provide a pallet having a continuously plane upper surface interrupted between its outer and inner portions by an upwardly projectin uninterrupted rib adapted to form a corresponding groove on the under face of the block. Such rib greatly increases the stability of the pallet to prevent it from bending under the weight of the block when carried, and permits the use of comparatively thin sheet metal, thereby greatly reducing its weight.

Ordinarily, pallets for molding blocks have been made of continuously flat cast metal, but these are objectionable onaccount of their weight, and involve considerable additional labor in the work of carrying away large numbers of molded blocks each provided with its supporting heavy cast iron pallet. On the other hand, if cast iron pallets are made suliiciently thin for lightness, they frequently break under the load or in handling, and are a constant source of expense. My invention is designed to overcome these various objections, and also to provide means for forming an uninterrupted continuous rectangular groove upon the under face of the molded block and adapting it to more eiiicient usefulness when set in place, in the manner more specifically hereinafter described.

A further object is to provide, in a pallet of such construction, a plurality of centrally arranged elongated core openings through.

1924. Serial No. 716,172.

the continuously, flat area within'the sur rounding rib, whereby corresponding transverse cores or holes maybe made inthe finished block in the operation of molding.

More specifically stated, the present form of pallet is especially designed for use in connection with the manufacture of extra wide foundation blocks, having elongated core openings adapted to register with the core openings of superimposed blocks.

The present invention is somewhat similar to that of my prior Patent No. 1,486,056, issued March 4,1924

In the drawings, showing one preferred embodiment of the invention:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the pallet;

Fig.- 2' a side edge view V 3 is a sectional view, showing an ordinary wall block laid on a foundation block;

Fig. 4 is a view in cross section, showing the pallet in supporting position under the block;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one of my im )roved pallets, detached.

lteferring to the drawings, the simplest form of pallet illustrated in Fig. 1 is a rec tangular piece of comparatively thin sheet metal 2, provided throughout a portion of its length and width with a continuous pressed-up ridge 3 tangular outline of the plate, adapted to form the resulting groove 4 in the molded block A. Said block, as shown in Figs. 3

and 4:, is supported upon the pallet 2 within the cavity of a suitable mold and provided conforming to the rec-.

with the usual plunger bottom, upwardly above which the pallet is supported in the usual way. The formation of the mold for whatever material is used, is one familiar to those skilled in the art, and need not be, described.

lVhen the block has been sufiiciently pressed and molded to shape, and removed from the mold, it may be lifted by the workmen grasping each end of the support ing pallet and carried away to any drying position, as is ordinarily done. The presence of the rib 3 through the middle portion of the pallet greatly stifl'ens'it against buckling, enabling the use of a comparatively thin section of sheet metal, as steel, and the resultin block is provided on its under side with the continuous rectangular gI'OOV, rounded at the corners, as shown.

extending upwardlyblocks of standard length for foundations.

By reason of the elongated openings 6, the formed block is provided with the corresponding openings 5, which correspond lengthwise and partly register with the usual openings 7 of the standard wall blocks of eight inch wid h. The foundation blocks A. of twelve inch width, extend beyond underneath the upper wall block layer at one or both sides, as desired, and for one or more layers below.

The pallet 53 is cut out at each end, as at 9, for clearance of (To-acting vertical in- '\\'ardl v extending portions of the mold and also providing ample grasping clearance for the fingers of the workman in lifting or carrying the block.

The presence of the deep longitudinal and transverse grooves running along within the ends and sides of the bottom of the block, when laid with a suitable binder on the opposite fiat face of an adjacent block or surface also ensures a strong rigid anchoring connection. as will be obvious.

The pallet is easily, quickly, and cheaply made by stamping from sheet .metal, with :1

minimum of waste, and is maintained in a flat condition under the load of the block by reason of the squared rib, surrounding the central smooth area, within the side and end edge portions. It may be compactly stacked with other similar pallets, and will maintain its shape and efliciency indefinitely.

The construction and manner of operation of the invention will be readily understood and appreciated from the foregoing descrip tion. It greatly simplifies and cheapens the ordinary pallet, while increasing its Gillciency and reducing the weight. The resulting advantage of the grooved block greatly adds to the stability of the wall or other structinre in which it is used, and the invention materially contributes to the elliciency of the workmen in molding the blocks, while reducing their labor as to the aggroc weight to be carried throughout an enti re days work.

What I claim is:

A molding pallet made of comparatively thin sheet metal and provided with a continuous upwardly extending groove-forming rib extending longitudinally and transversely across its surface intermediate the middle smooth surface and the outer edge portions, and having a pair of transverse core openings through the middle portion of the pallet within the surrounding rib, ano concave clearance openings cut in each end of the pallet.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature.

FRANCIS J. STRAUB. 

